Montclair Police Lieutenant Selected to Attend FBI National Academy

Montclair Police Lieutenant Tracy Frazzano has been accepted to the FBI National Academy, a 10-week professional development course for U.S. and international law enforcement leaders held four times a year on the Marine Corps Base in Quanitco, Va., according to a release.

During Frazzano’s study at the Academy, she will take undergraduate- and graduate-level college courses in law, behavioral science, forensic science, understanding terrorism/terrorist mindsets, leadership development, communication and health and fitness, the release stated.

According to the release, Frazzano has a record of distinguished service with the Montclair Police department. The 19-year police veteran holds two master’s degrees (one in homeland security, the other in human resources), is a Department of Homeland Security Fellow and a published author in several professional journals. Most recently, in April of 2013, the Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders presented her with a proclamation honoring her outstanding service.

“The FBI accepts around 250 candidates from every state in the U.S. and its territories, and from over 160 international partner nations,” stated Police Chief David Sabagh in the release, who himself attended the National Academy in 2005.

“Given her outstanding record with the department, Lieutenant Frazzano was the obvious choice to be our nominee. It was no surprise to us that she was accepted.”

According to a release, other Montclair Police Department officers to complete the FBI’s National Academy include Deputy Chief Todd Conforti, former Deputy Chief Perry Mayers and former Chief Thomas Russo.

To qualify for the FBI National Academy, a candidate must have a certain set of professional skills, be at least 25 years old and in “top physical condition.” They must be capable of strenuous activity, and able to participate in physical training, use of firearms and defensive tactics, according to the release.

“It’s been my long-standing ambition to attend the FBI National Academy,” stated Frazzano. “I am always looking for ways to enhance my knowledge and skills and this will be a great opportunity to learn more about homeland security, constitutional law, management and leadership, and other areas of law enforcement.”

“Interacting with the public, how to handle a diverse spectrum of situations is critical in police work,” Frazzano stated. “I’ll be able to gain an overall perspective that’s less about tactical responses and more about others’ experiences – experiences that go beyond the local community. The practical knowledge of other law enforcement officials, not just from other states and local governments, but other countries, will be truly invaluable.”

Frazzano will also take the academy’s final fitness challenge - the “Yellow Brick Road” - an optional 6.1-mile grueling run through a trail built by the Marines that requires participants to climb over walls, run through creeks, jump through simulated windows, scale rock faces, crawl under barbed wire in muddy water, maneuver across a cargo net, and more. Those who complete the course receive an actual yellow brick as a memento of their achievement. She will also attempt the Academy’s Blue Brick Challenge which requires participants to swim 34 miles.

“I’ve been practicing and I’ll be ready for that challenge too. I want that blue brick as well.”

Photo courtesy of the Montclair Police Department